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PCT goes mobile for temporary GP surgery

A North West PCT has commissioned an innovative mobile GP surgery to provide a temporary facility for patients during a new build project.

Foundation for Life, the LIFT partner for NHS Ashton Leigh & Wigan PCT, advised the PCT to choose the hi-tech, vehicle-based unit in preference to the more commonly-used portacabin-type structure.

The impressive unit, which will deliver a total of 60 sqm of internal floorspace, will be installed by specialist supplier EMS Healthcare next to the site of the existing Marsh Green clinic in Wigan, Greater Manchester.

The construction of the permanent surgery building will commence in December 2009 on the site adjacent to the clinic.

Foundation for Life Chief Executive Rita Chapman said: “The mobile unit is a substantial and impressive facility that will ensure that patients receive NHS Wigan Articleseamless care during the construction project.

“We were attracted to this solution because of the high standard of the unit interior, which looks and feels like a very modern GP surgery, and by the convenience of the quick delivery and set-up time.”

The ‘Liberty’ unit is just one of a fleet of vehicles owned and operated by EMS Healthcare. With an on-site set-up time of just two hours, it provides a ready-made facility including two consultation rooms, treatment areas, a reception and waiting area, and full staff facilities including a kitchen and toilets. The vehicle meets NHS standards for infection control and hygiene.

EMS Healthcare Managing Director Keith Austin said: “The beauty of our solution is that it can just slot in to an existing site, with none of the upheaval and time associated with building a temporary structure.

“Because the units have been specifically designed for the NHS market, they are extremely cost-effective, too, with minimal internal alterations needed to suit a range of different needs, from GP surgeries to dental clinics.

“We are seeing rising demand for these temporary accommodation solutions, due to the ongoing building work associated with the new Darzi clinics and anticipated pressures of the winter and swine flu vaccination programmes.”

Patients will begin to use the temporary facility from December 2009, with the new surgery expected to open in Spring 2010.